Multi-Scale Modeling of Heterogeneities in Quasi-Brittle Material Degradation - A Tribute to the Memory of Prof. Kaspar Willam (1940-2024)

The study of quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, geo-materials, ceramics, and ice, is a critical area of research due to the significant role that cracks and discontinuities play in their behavior. These materials are prone to developing distributed micro-cracks under mechanical loading, which can coalesce into macro-cracks, leading to structural failure. Environmental factors, such as moisture movement, radiation, and chemical activity, further complicate the degradation process by interacting with the mechanical response of these materials. The flow of pressurized fluids through material porosity and cracks can also induce crack propagation, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the coupled mechanical and environmental effects. Recent studies have highlighted the need for multi-physics models that incorporate mechanical, flow, diffusion, reaction, and transport behaviors to accurately assess the deterioration mechanisms affecting quasi-brittle materials. However, the highly heterogeneous nature of these materials presents a challenge, as it requires multi-scale models that explicitly describe heterogeneities, often demanding significant computational resources and high-performance computing solutions.

This research topic aims to advance the understanding and modeling of degradation, durability, mechanics, and hydraulic fracture in quasi-brittle materials. The primary objectives include developing robust multi-physics models to evaluate deterioration mechanisms, investigating the effects of mechanical and environmental loading, and exploring the role of material heterogeneity in degradation processes. Specific questions to be addressed include how different loading conditions contribute to crack formation and propagation, and how multi-scale modeling can enhance the accuracy of predictions.

To gather further insights into the multi-scale and multi-physics modeling of quasi-brittle materials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- In-depth understanding and modeling of deterioration in quasi-brittle materials.
- Numerical investigation of degradation caused by mechanical actions and flow/diffusion/transport-induced actions.
- Cracking due to durability-related phenomena, such as drying shrinkage, high temperatures, alkali-silica reaction, and sulfate attack.
- Cracking or opening of existing fractures in rock masses due to fluid injections, such as hydraulic fracture.
- Development of robust multi-physics models to evaluate simultaneous deterioration mechanisms.
- Multi-scale models that explicitly describe heterogeneities and establish degradation processes for individual components.
- Implementation of models in a high-performance computing environment.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Quasi-brittle materials, deterioration, durability mechanics, numerical modelling, multi-physics models, multi-scale models, parallel high-performance computing, hydraulic fracture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.